Newbie question about winter driving, 4x4 use

[Northern Star]

What's people's thoughts about winter handling for the 2009 Ram ?

I have stock 20" with Wranglers.

How often do you find tourself using permanent 4x4 setting on packed snow and ice ? I jsut had the chance to try some handling and performance when the perm mode is on and I have to say even without winter tires I was really impressed.

Any found out the limitations of the factory rims/rubber with the permanent 4x4 setting ?

Other suggestions for winter driving for a newbie ?

Cheers.

[Warlord]

First thing: Just keep in mind that 4X4 is great for getting you moving, and keeping you moving. But will not help you stop any bettter.

My 09 Ram is my 4th 4X4. Living in the rockies pretty much requires it. and my experience with the 09 Ram rocks! But! There are a few things to be aware of. Mostly dealing with ESP/TC which deals with traction control and all that good stuff. It's great if your traveling at a higher rate of speed needed for lets say: rock crawling, puddle jumping, basically off roading in the rough. For the serious stuff people have run into trouble with "ESP". Spin tires while driving through some really rough terrain and the engine rpms back down, and you can put the peddle to the floor and you get nothing. It prevents you from spinning you tires. Sitting there in the middle of the beaten path going nowhere. If most of your driving is done on improved roads with just snow and ice, I would leave ESP alone. If you want to get out and do some muddin, put it in what I call "FULL OFF MODE". Most make the mistake of just pressing and releasing the ESP button. The little light comes on and stays on. In that mode I have found no difference at all. Here is how to turn it "OFF".
1. First your truck must be running.
2. Place gear selector in "PARK"
3. Place 4X4 mode to 4X4 LOCK or 4X4 HI.
4. press and HOLD ESP button for at least 5 seconds.
* If you have done this correctly, in your EVIC display you will now see the message "ESP SYSTEM OFF".. You ESP will remain in this mode untill you either:
1. Reach the speed of 40 MPH ( at this point ESP returns to "Partial Off" mode ) giving you some of TC back. Or:
2. You turn your truck off, or return to 2WD mode.

* In 4X4 Lo, ESP is always off.

Hope this helps. I'm sure others may have more to add to this subject. I have been reading of others who are pulling thier hair out over thier truck bogging down in terrain that should have been otherwise manuverable. :cool: